2012 VCM Shutter/Vibration - Honda Pilot

Boomer1 · 12-07-2011, 07:27 PM

I just bought my first Pilot last week. It's a 2012 4WD LX. I really like it, but I wanted to see if it is normal to feel a shutter/vibration each time the VCM is activated. I really only feel it on the highway at cruising speed (60 - 70). Sometimes when there is traffic and I have to slow down and speed up, it seems like the the VCM kicks on and off and there is a lot of shutter/vibration. I'm not sure if this is normal operation or if I should go the dealer to have it checked out. Plus if I bring it to the dealer they may say that it is normal and it may not be, so I figured that I would ask the forum.

Kenspilot · 12-08-2011, 12:45 AM

I do feel it when it's working but nothing severe. If you're feeling it really hard then maybe have it check out.

ant-ny · 12-08-2011, 07:11 AM

OP, there are several threads on this topic with the 2010's and 2011's. A search should give you some very useful information.

I had it pretty bad with my 2011 EX-L. It is described as a very noticeable vibration in the seat and steering wheel when ECO was activated, accompanied by a noise that I liken to a "dragging chain". Mine seemed to happen mostly around 35-45 mph. Although it did not seem to mechanically effect the vehicle, it was extremely annoying. Even passengers noticed the noise. To make a long story short, I had the Pilot back to the dealer several times for this issue (as well as a few others), and they did not help me out. Sadly, I traded in the Pilot with about 3500 miles on it. Take it back and document, document, document. Ask to have a service tech drive with you, then ask to drive SEVERAL new ones on their lot to see if they do the same thing. Good luck with you issues.

ch308 · 12-08-2011, 12:44 PM

We are dealing with the same issue on our 2011. Been to the dealer multiple times, still not fixed. :-(

keithme · 12-23-2011, 09:52 PM

Really a bummer reading all the vcm vibration. My 2011 does it. Honda needs to update a fix it orhave a class action. Noise vibration and harshness is one thing but this can be an annoyance that owners should not have to deal with this issue. I just want a smooth ride. How did this leave the testing folks without being noticed?

12-07-2011, 07:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Boomer1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Waynesboro Posts: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	2012 VCM Shutter/Vibration I just bought my first Pilot last week. It's a 2012 4WD LX. I really like it, but I wanted to see if it is normal to feel a shutter/vibration each time the VCM is activated. I really only feel it on the highway at cruising speed (60 - 70). Sometimes when there is traffic and I have to slow down and speed up, it seems like the the VCM kicks on and off and there is a lot of shutter/vibration. I'm not sure if this is normal operation or if I should go the dealer to have it checked out. Plus if I bring it to the dealer they may say that it is normal and it may not be, so I figured that I would ask the forum.

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12-08-2011, 12:45 AM	#2 (permalink)
Kenspilot Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 310 Posts: 77 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I do feel it when it's working but nothing severe. If you're feeling it really hard then maybe have it check out.

12-08-2011, 07:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
ant-ny Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: northeast ohio Posts: 67 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	OP, there are several threads on this topic with the 2010's and 2011's. A search should give you some very useful information. I had it pretty bad with my 2011 EX-L. It is described as a very noticeable vibration in the seat and steering wheel when ECO was activated, accompanied by a noise that I liken to a "dragging chain". Mine seemed to happen mostly around 35-45 mph. Although it did not seem to mechanically effect the vehicle, it was extremely annoying. Even passengers noticed the noise. To make a long story short, I had the Pilot back to the dealer several times for this issue (as well as a few others), and they did not help me out. Sadly, I traded in the Pilot with about 3500 miles on it. Take it back and document, document, document. Ask to have a service tech drive with you, then ask to drive SEVERAL new ones on their lot to see if they do the same thing. Good luck with you issues.

12-08-2011, 12:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
ch308 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mount Vernon WA Posts: 16 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	We are dealing with the same issue on our 2011. Been to the dealer multiple times, still not fixed. :-(

12-23-2011, 09:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
keithme Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Midwest Posts: 7 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Really a bummer reading all the vcm vibration. My 2011 does it. Honda needs to update a fix it orhave a class action. Noise vibration and harshness is one thing but this can be an annoyance that owners should not have to deal with this issue. I just want a smooth ride. How did this leave the testing folks without being noticed?

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